New contract will see the American at Goodison until 2018

LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, December 8, 2013: Everton's goalkeeper Tim Howard in action against Arsenal during the Premiership match at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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Everton FC have rewarded Tim Howard’s fine form this season with a contract extension which will see him remain a Blue until 2018.

The USA international, whose previous deal was due to expire in June 2016, has signed terms for an extra two years at Goodison, which could ensure he finishes his Premier League career on Merseyside.

Howard, 35, has been a mainstay for the Blues this term - providing a series of outstanding performances which have prompted Roberto Martinez to secure his long-term future at the club.

The former Manchester United shot-stopper, who has kept 12 clean sheets in the league so far this term, is already ranked 22nd in the Toffees all-time appearances list.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, December 8, 2013: Arsenal's Oliver Giroud is thwarted by Everton's goalkeeper Tim Howard during the Premiership match at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Martinez said: “To have Tim performing as he has been this season, I cannot see past him to choose the best goalkeeper in the league.

“For him, in such an important year with the World Cup around the corner, to commit his future for the long term is an incredible moment for the dressing room.

“I am extremely proud of Tim’s achievements for the football club.

“On top of his goalkeeping it’s his overall demeanour and personality in the dressing room. He is a strong leader.”

Martinez believes the New Jersey native’s influence off the field is as valuable as his excellence on it.

And the Goodison chief was quick to highlight Howard's roll in helping his side notch up a club record haul of Premier League points whilst maintaining a constant challenge for a top four finish.

“He has been vital to our overall achievements. It’s not just about his performances,” he said. “As a goalkeeper, you have a big say about what happens in your own goal and to keep the amount of clean sheets that we have this season - which is already two more than last season when we had very good numbers defensively - is impressive.

“Then you see his human values and the way he effects youngsters; he is the perfect role model for out football club. We have a good group of young goalkeepers who can follow that sort of example, and that is why it’s so significant he has agreed to stay with Everton for a long, long period.”

Howard, who joined Everton from Manchester United in 2006 - initially on loan - will now have the opportunity to reach the prestigious 500 appearance marker - a feat only achieved by three players in Everton's long history.

And Martinez added: “His belief and understanding of the game and his desire to achieve more is contagious and anything you can see in Tim - from his personality, his goalkeeping ability and his desire to improve - is tremendous.

“I think it is fair to say that being a goalkeeper is not like being an outfield player. It is a sport within a sport. Tim is a very fit 35-year-old and as a goalkeeper you probably develop the best years of your career in your 30s because you can anticipate things, dominate your area and control the players in front of you.

“It is a very good age for Tim and I know he will play on beyond 40. He is a fit man and at the peak of his powers.

“He is a unique role model. Just to be a foreign goalkeeper with international experience, being a legend back home, then coming to the British game and playing over 10 seasons, that is remarkable.

“To do it in the manner he has done, always reliable, always accumulating incredible numbers, is phenomenal.”